Best Microphone For Screenshot Recordings?? Warriors?

[TommyBussey]

Hey everyone, I'm a big fan of doing screenshot recordings and they are vital for me in different aspects of my marketing ventures.

I'm currently looking to upgrade my microphone and would like to know what you all are using.

Maybe something that is high quality and fairly priced?

But anyways, just want some feedback so I can better serve my customers and clients with a more clear audio recording.

Thanks!

[Lance K]

I use the AT2020 USB by Audio-Technica. It's awesome.

[eholmlund]

I use the Alesis podcasting kit. It was $99 and works great.

[intromaster]

Lance, I was just going to suggest that one too.

Even though I dont own one, everyone in the internet marketing circle raves about the quality of it.

[Rapido]

I use a Plantronics USB headset which does a good job with Camtasia.

Rapido

[George Stavrakakis]

I use the Logitech Clearchat USB for webinars and such.

[Josh Anderson]

I use a mic stand with a boom arm that I position just above my forehead and an XLR Audio Technica AT3035 connected to an MXL Mic Mate.

This produces crisp pro quality sound.

[Lance K]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

I use a mic stand with a boom arm that I position just above my forehead...

Josh, what's the reason for the above the forehead positioning? To reduce popping, or something else?

[um1001]

use the AT2020 USB by Audio-Technica. It's awesome.

Same mic I use. Used it today in fact. Very nice audio quality and rich tones for a USB mic.

[Loren Woirhaye]

You might want to look at a headset mic because with
other types the volume of the recording is affected
by the distance between your mouth and the mic,
which tends to change as you'll move around and
turn your head here and there.

You can probably get better quality with a boom-mounted
mic or something but you may need to do additional
editing that makes for more work to boost the quiet
sections if (and when) you turn your head or move away
from the mic.

[Christophe Young]

I just started recording videos. I noticed too much breathing during the playback, (and no, I didn't get too excited) also there's a slight buzz sound. Is this a mic issue?

I'm using a logitech USB mic/headset combo.

[Craig Desorcy]

I'm using audio-technica AT2020 USB too.


Killer sound and the filter over it cuts out a lot of unwanted mouth noise.

Craig

[Sarah Russell]

I've had good results with the Samson C01U podcasting kit with a pop filter add-on. Good clear recordings and the filter cuts out a lot of noises that I used to have to edit out when I was using a Logitech USB mike.

[Loren Woirhaye]

Originally Posted by Christophe Young

I just started recording videos. I noticed too much breathing during the playback, (and no, I didn't get too excited) also there's a slight buzz sound. Is this a mic issue?

I'm using a logitech USB mic/headset combo.

You don't always want the mic right in front of your mouth. Put it
in front of your nose or chin and see if the breathing sounds
are reduced.

[bingitbaby]

You're going to be surprised, but I use the turtlebeach headset my kids use for their xbox 360. It's clear and the playback is phenomenal!! I picked it up on ebay for $40 and free shipping.

[steveblum]

I use a Logitech Premium Notebook Headset that I bought at Best Buy. It's pretty comfortable and suits my needs but you do get some unwanted mouth noise regardless of how your adjust the mic.

[Greg Jacobs]

Anyone tried the Snowball?

[Quentin]

It really depends on what your end result will be.

If all your files will be on the net and are screen casts etc then a simple usb mic headset like plantronics will work fine.

If you are going to be in the picture than what Craig suggests is perfect.

Try and keep away from bluetooth wireless mics as they tend to get interference.

In our office the assistant uses a plantronics savi office to answer the phone and skype and last week did some recordings as well which turned out crisp and clear.

Of course if you are going to get into movies and dvd work then you will want to get a professional boom mic.

Quentin

[CurtisN]

I use a no-name headset I got from Staples for $5...LOL.

It's obviously not as good looking or sturdy as your typical $100+ (or whatever) headset...but it works just fine

Curtis

[MarshallWayne]

I haven't used a professional mic yet with Camtasia or Screen Flow, but the earbuds that came with my iPhone that have the mic on the cord works well.

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by Lance K

Josh, what's the reason for the above the forehead positioning? To reduce popping, or something else?

Correct... otherwise I would put a pop filter in front of it on a desktop mic holder.

Here is a video of me where I show and talk about my mic and the mxl mic mate (I start talking about something else and then show the mic) -

[Simon Royal]

I am using the fire wire podcast bundle by behringer, the mic is a c-1 model it works pretty good.

I am getting much better results with this and dragon natural speaking than I was with my headset mic.

I like it because it is affordable and it has 4 channels.

I got my off of amazon.

See ya,
Torrance

[Sco]

The Samson Studio USB is outstanding. Under $100...

[wordwizard]

Originally Posted by bingitbaby

You're going to be surprised, but I use the turtlebeach headset my kids use for their xbox 360. It's clear and the playback is phenomenal!! I picked it up on ebay for $40 and free shipping.

Cool! I've got to see if I can get one of those on eBay too!

The price is certainly right!

[dpwm]

I use a mid range Advent HSNC200 headset.. not expensive - but easily as good and as high a quality as a colleague of mine that has a Sennheiser set costing hundreds!

[Michael Silvester]

I use this one...its treated me well

[Ray Erdmann]

I've been wanting to get a good mic for sometime and I'm leaning towards the Rode (pronounced "Road") Podcaster over the AT2020

For those interested, here's some pricing and YT review vids.


AT2020 = $99 to $119
Stand = $30
Mic-Mate = $45 (Unless you get the USB version)
* Pop/Wind Screen = $25
* Shock Mount = $40
* = OPTIONAL

YouTube - audio-technica AT2020 Microphone Test

Rode Podcaster (USB power) = $229
Stand = $80
* Pop/Wind Screen = $17
* Shock Mount = $50
* = OPTIONAL

YouTube - Best Podcasting Microphone - Revisited!

NOTE: Fast-forward to about 3:15 to hear the Rode Podcaster...this is the best review of the Podcaster I've found and IMHO, the sound quality is much better on the Podcaster then the AT2020 and Chris also compares it to the Snowball, which I think someone above mentioned...

[mmx1346]

I personally use and stand behind the Audio Technica AT2020 USB Condenser Mic. I use this for screencasts, podcasts, interviews, and for my sales videos.

It sells for $90-$100, but its never a good idea to go too cheap on your audio. It'll just annoy the viewer and they'll loose interest. This is phenomenal for an entry-level model.

There are other more expensive USB 'condensor mics', but unless you're already making sales and really need superb audio quality, I'd stick with the Audio Technica AT2020 USB Mic.

Best wishes,
Matt

[Lloyd Buchinski]

I bought a Lenovo headset while I was on their site one day and the mike has really nice qualities. It was just about $27, but can't remember for sure.

I was talking to a friend in eastern Canada lately and I was in the Los Angeles area. He was surprised at where I was. He said it sounded like I was next door, unusually clear. Had to be a combination of Google voice, and the mike. Incidentally, Google voice has Skype completely beat in my experience.

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Here is a video of me where I show and talk about my mic and the mxl mic mate (I start talking about something else and then show the mic) -

Just to let you know, the video won't play for me, I get an error message.